Alan Shearer was one of the club's finest achievements

Wallsend Boys' Club, which also coaches girls, has produced stars including Alan Shearer and the pop star Sting has graced its pitches.

Bosses said many former pupils donate cash to the club, but it needs to raise money to keep grooming future stars.

A picture of a team of former pupils will be sold at a dinner on Thursday.

A statement on the club's website said: "In order to continue in the current economic climate and build for the future, we must look to encourage high-profile sponsorship and generate revenue through our own enterprise.

"We foresee this as a major challenge in the years ahead."

Workers at Swan Hunters shipyard, Wallsend, originally founded the club in 1938.

Deserve more money

The original club premises were a series of wooden huts on Station Road, erected by the workers.

Marc Nash, assistant club leader, said the club was successful because it inspired discipline.

He said: "People think we are rolling in it because of our history, but we have to raise money ourselves.

"Businesses help out with grants, but money is a problem we are trying to address. I think we deserve more money because we help find future players."

The club coaches girls and boys aged between six and 16 and runs five-a-side leagues in Wallsend and 11-a-side teams at Benfield in Newcastle.